National briefs

Former
David Jones
boss
Mark McInnes
and publicist Kristy Fraser-Kirk, who is suing for sexual harassment, are due in Federal Court for a directions hearing today. David Jones is pursuing an out-of-court settlement amid publicity over Ms Fraser-Kirk’s $37 million punitive damages claim. “David Jones is committed to a fair and reasonable resolution of this matter," a spokeswoman for the retail giant said. “If this, however, cannot be achieved we will defend the matter in court." Today’s hearing will set a schedule for proceedings.

Joanna Mather

The South Australian government will make tram travel between Adelaide’s Entertainment Centre and the city free indefinitely. The government had planned to offer free travel on the $100 million extension for six months. AAP

Up to 1000 commercial photographers protested in Sydney yesterday over laws that require them to have permits to do their work. With the Harbour Bridge and Opera House in the background, they carried banners emblazoned with words including “Artists have rights to sell their work", and “Capture the moment, not the photographer". The Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority requires at least $150 per session if more than 10 crew are involved in a commercial shoot. Landscape photographer Ken Duncan said the “red tape" was killing photographers’ passion. AAP